What's the weather like in Playa de Las Americas in December
Temperature
December is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Playa de Las Americas, Tenerife (Canary Islands), when families and couples alike escape the harsh UK winter in favour of Canarian sunshine. At this time of the year, Playa de Las Americas enjoys an average temperature of 20.5°C at the start of the month, which drops down to 19°C in the final few days.
Daily Temperatures
Daily highs and daily lows change in the same fashion, dropping down from 23°C to 22°C and from 18°C to 16°C, respectively, as the month progresses. Although it only occurs once every ten days or so, temperatures can sometimes exceed 25°C or fall below 15°C at this time of the year in Playa de Las Americas.
Extreme Temperatures
The highest temperature which has ever been registered at the nearest weather station to Playa de Las Americas the one at Reina Sofía south airport in December is 30°C, which was recorded on December 2nd in 1987. On the other hand, the lowest temperature which has ever been recorded here during this month is 10.4°C, which was registered on December 2nd in 1988.
Rainfall
Across the month, Playa de Las Americas is only affected by an average of 35mm (one inch) of rainfall, which is spread out between five rainy days. With such a small amount of rainfall occurring on less than 1/6 of the month, there is a very good chance you won't experience any precipitation at all during your holiday in December.
The probability of rainfall making an appearance on an average day in Playa de Las Americas in December stays pretty much constant throughout the month. On December 1st, rainfall occurs on 17% of days. This statistic drops down to 15% by December 9th, before rising up to 16% by December 31st.
If you do experience some form of precipitation during your holiday in Playa de Las Americas in December, it will most probably be drizzle, moderate rain, light rain or heavy rain. Whilst thunderstorms are also a possibility at this time of year, you'll be happy to hear that the resort is never affected by snowfall even in December.
The highest monthly rainfall ever experienced by the resort in December is 176.7 l/m2, which fell in December 2013. During this month, the resort saw a huge amount of rainfall, with heavy rainstorms stopping and starting over the course of several days. During this wet spell of weather, the resort was subject to severe flooding which caused several underground car parks to become unusable, roads to be closed and beaches to be almost completely washed away. At the other end of the scale, the lowest monthly rainfall ever registered in Playa de Las Americas in December is 0 l/m2 which most recently occurred in December 2012.
The greatest number of days which have ever been subject to rainfall in Playa de Las Americas in December is 14, which occurred in 2001. Not only is this the highest number of rainy days ever experienced by the resort in December, but it's also the greatest number of rainy days ever experienced in the south of Tenerife in any month. The maximum amount of precipitation ever experienced in a single 24-hour period in Playa de Las Americas in December is 109 l/m2, all of which fell on December 11th 2013.
The resort receives the majority of its annual rainfall in the winter season, between November and February. Due to the lack of sufficient drainage systems, Playa de Las Americas is prone to sudden flooding when a high amount of rainfall occurs within a short period of time. If you are unlucky enough to experience a rainstorm during your holiday in Playa de Las Americas in December, it will most likely be over with very quickly within a couple of hours at the most. When the rain stops, the sunshine is quick to dry up any leftover puddles, so you can be back out on the beach the very next day.
Average Sunshine Hours
During December, Playa de Las Americas boasts an average of seven hours of sunshine every day that's two hours less each day than in November. Despite the dramatic decrease in sunshine hours, you'll still have loads of chances to relax and soak up some rays by the pool or at the beach during your holiday.
Average Sea Temperature
If a beach day sounds like just what the doctor ordered, you'll be happy to hear that the average sea temperature for the beaches in Playa de Las Americas during this month is 21°C that's slightly cooler than the previous month. Even though everyone feels water temperature differently, locals and visitors alike agree that 21°C is perfect for swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling and water sports, which is why you'll see so many swimmers and sunbathers on the beaches at this time of year.
Wind
During a typical December in Playa de Las Americas, normal wind speeds fluctuate between 2 m/s (light breeze) and 9 m/s (fresh breeze) rarely exceeding 12 m/s (strong breeze). The highest average wind speed of 6 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around December 15th, when the average daily maximum is 9 m/s. On the other hand, the lowest average wind speed of 5 m/s occurs around December 4th, when the average daily maximum is 9 m/s.
In December, the length of the day in Playa de Las Americas is very slowly decreasing, with a tiny difference of only six minutes between the first and last days of the month. The shortest day in December is December 31st with ten hours and 24 minutes of daylight, whilst the longest day of the month is December 1st with ten hours and 30 minutes of daylight.
Weather Warnings
Although they're certainly more common during summer than they are during winter, calimas and siroccos can occur during any month of the year in Playa de Las Americas even in December. These unpleasant weather conditions are caused by sand storms which are blown over from the west coast of Africa.
Fortunately, both siroccos and calimas can be predicted days and sometimes weeks in advance, giving you plenty of time to make alternative plans if you want to. Although it's easy to predict when they're going to arrive, how long they're going to last is a lot more unpredictable. Some only last a few hours whereas others can go on for up to ten days.
Even though siroccos and calimas don't pose any serious risks when they occur in the winter months, they are known for their incredibly high temperatures, minimal visibility and general dryness of air. Siroccos are also known for their remarkably strong winds which can make going outdoors not an option.
Playa de Las Americas Hotels in December
Another great choice when it comes to budget accommodation in the south of Tenerife, Vina del Mar is a top pick. This hotel is made up of a number of comfortable and spacious rooms and also features a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Thanks to its central location, there are plenty of shops, supermarkets, cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs available in the area.
Aparthotel Caledonia Park is perfect for families and couples looking for a budget holiday in Playa de Las Americas. This three-star hotel offers a variety of spacious rooms which come well-equipped with everything you'll need to enjoy your stay. Onsite facilities are numerous and include swimming pool, tennis courts, 24-hour reception and children's play area.
For something more budget-friendly, take a look at Las Pirámides. Ideally located close to some of the best nightlife in Playa de Las Americas, this complex is made up of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. There is a handful of amenities available onsite, including buffet restaurant, pool bar, café, swimming pool, internet access and evening entertainment.
Just a short walk away from the coast, the Paraiso del Sol Apartments are perfect for families and couples who plan on spending a lot of time at the beach during their holiday. Here guests can choose from bungalows, studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, ensuring something for all budgets and group sizes. There is a wealth of amenities to enjoy, including swimming pools, playgrounds, solarium, entertainment programme and WiFi access.
Golf lovers planning on spending a lot of time on the course should consider staying at Compostela Beach Golf Club Apartments. Just a short walk away from Golf Las Americas, this complex offers accommodation in the form of one- and two-bedroom apartments. Guests are invited to take advantage of the numerous amenities which include supermarket, WiFi access, swimming pools and sun terrace.
Playa de Las Americas Beaches for December
Water sport enthusiasts won't want to miss the chance to spend a day at Playa de Torviscas. This small bay is made up of fine, light sand which is lined by calm waters, creating the ideal conditions for swimming. The list of onsite amenities is extensive and covers sun lounger and parasol hire, showers, lifeguards, toilets and beach bars as well as a wealth of action-packed water sports. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, supermarkets and shops just a short distance away on the promenade.
Make the most of the winter sunshine by whiling away a few hours at Playa del Bobo. Just a short distance away from the Las Veronicas strip in Playa de Las Americas, this beach has dark volcanic sand and clear waters which are just begging to be bathed in. There is a handful of facilities available for visitors to take advantage of, including sun bed and shade hire, showers and a beachside kiosk, with many more amenities and services just a two minute walk away.
Bars and Restaurants
Carnivores won't want to miss the chance to enjoy a meal at Las Rosas. Here you'll find all sorts of grilled meats including pork, lamb, beef and chicken which are cooked to perfection and very affordable. If you're dining with someone who isn't keen on meat, there is a handful of fish and seafood dishes available, too.
When it comes to Canarian cuisine, it's tough to beat Meson Las Lanzas. Here you'll find a menu bursting with local specialities, such as stewed rabbit, grilled fillet steak and catch of the day. If you're feeling a bit peckish after your meal, take a look at the dessert menu the cranberry cheesecake comes highly recommended.
If you're looking for a home away from home atmosphere, pop into the Irish Rose. This bar is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing drink during the day whilst soaking up the sun on the terrace. If you visit on an evening you'll find loads going on with nightly entertainment in the form of a resident compare, quizzes, karaoke and bingo.
For a bit of soul music, there's no better place to go than Soul Suite. Open every day from 8pm until late, this bar has some of the very best motown, soul and reggae bands in the whole of Tenerife. There is a great selection of drinks available behind the bar, including international beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks.
Things to do in Playa de Las Americas in December
A round of mini golf at Parque Santiago is a great way to while away a few hours. Found just a few steps down from the Safari Centre, this mini golf course is surrounded by exotic cactus gardens and is divided into two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole golf course. Open every day from 10am until midnight, mini golf course at Parque Santiago is a great place for families and couples alike.
A trip to Tenerife isn't complete without visiting Mount Teide. This half-day excursion takes you on a coach trip through the traditional local villages and pine forests before emerging at the Teide National Park. After taking in the incredible views, you can ride the cable car to the summit of the mountain for even more incredible vistas. Don't forget to take your camera on clear days you can see over to the neighbouring Canary Islands.
